A 2014 military study revealed that exposure to tear gas and pepper spray significantly increases the risk of respiratory infections among subjects. The American Thoracic Society recommended a ban on these chemical agents during protests, citing outdated science and potential risks, including heightened vulnerability to viruses like COVID-19. Experts argue that older military studies focus on young, healthy males, neglecting effects on the larger civilian population and advancements in deployment technology that further heighten risks. Injuries from dispersal canisters and rubber bullets also add to the danger posed by these agents.
The science used to justify the use of tear gas is outdated, and prior research doesn’t account for effects on the broader civilian population today.
Injuries can also occur from blunt-tipped rubber bullets, which can cause significant harm despite their name suggesting they are less dangerous.
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